U.S. Ambassador to Greece, George J. Tsunis, Inspires Over 2,000 Greek Students with \u201cFocus & Action\u201d Theme<\/p>\n
Project Connect, the non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment and maritime education, successfully held its annual \u201cKICK START THE NEW YEAR\u201d event on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.<\/p>\n
Emphasizing this year\u2019s theme, \u201cFOCUS & ACTION,\u201d the event took place in a dynamic \u201cphygital\u201d (physical and digital) format, hosted by Athens College \u2013 Bodosakeio in Kantza, Pallini, one of the first seven schools to enroll in Project Connect\u2019s Adopt a Ship program, in presence of U.S. Ambassador to Greece, George J. Tsunis<\/strong>. Present at the event were, also, among others President of Athens College, Dr Pollalis and Mr Kalogeras<\/strong>, Athens College Elementary School Principal.<\/p>\n Mr. Chrysostomos Lefteratos<\/strong>, a dedicated Athens College teacher and one of the first educators to adopt the Adopt a Ship program, warmly welcomed students and guests. Athens College has been a consistent participant since the program\u2019s introduction to Greek classrooms in January 2019. Mr. Lefteratos showcased a video highlighting students’ shipping-related projects, and he also presented a heartwarming reading of an e-mail exchange between a student and a ship captain, emphasizing the unique interaction at the program\u2019s core. Two students, wearing captain\u2019s hats provided by Project Connect, read aloud a letter exchanged between a Maran Tankers vessel and an elementary class in Davlia, Central Greece.<\/p>\n Mr. John Xylas<\/strong>, Union of Greek Shipowners\u2019 representative\/Treasurer, Founding Member of Project Connect, shipowner, and recently elected Chairman of INTERCARGO, praised the program for bridging Greek Shipping with the classroom:<\/p>\n \u201cWe are grateful to the teachers for their dedication. Through \u2018Adopt a Ship,\u2019 students truly grasp the value of the seafarer\u2019s profession, and they learn practical skills along the way.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Adamantia Spanaka<\/strong>, Project Connect\u2019s Educators Consultant, guided the attendees through the key elements of the Adopt a Ship initiative. She explained how the program fosters interdisciplinary learning by using captains’ responses as the basis for lessons in geography, English writing, literature, history, and more, illustrating the program’s practical learning opportunities.<\/p>\n Project Connect\u2019s Founder & Director, Ms. Irene Notias<\/strong>, welcomed and expressed her gratitude for the Ambassador\u2019s attendance:<\/p>\n \u201cWe feel so fortunate that the Ambassador chose to address our young minds today, in one of his last public interaction to his post. His passion and commitment set a wonderful example\u2014focus, action, effort, and love for one\u2019s country can take anyone a long way forward. This is truly an inspiring way to start the New Year.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n U.S. Ambassador to Greece, George J. Tsunis<\/strong>, during his keynote speech shared his personal journey\u2014rooted in Greek heritage\u2014on becoming an Ambassador and underscored the importance of shipping to the global economy and to Greece. His address reached 2,185 pupils and 108 teachers from 51 elementary, 19 secondary schools, and 8 Nautical Vocational High Schools (EPAL) across Greece, as well as participating schools in Florida, USA.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are lucky to have the \u2018Adopt a Ship\u2019 program in their schools,\u201d remarked Ambassador Tsunis. \u201cMy hope is that each of you will be inspired to pursue your dreams.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Project Connect presented the Ambassador with handcrafted nautical gifts made by pupils of the 45th Elementary School of Thessaloniki, commemorating his involvement.<\/p>\n The day concluded with uplifting and motivational sessions anchored by the theme \u201cFocus & Action\u201d. \u00a0Life coach Michalis Fragkiadakis<\/strong> (FOS Breakthrough) led an engaging talk, \u201cOpinion & Knowledge: Breaking Illusions,\u201d encouraging students to challenge assumptions and explore personal growth. Dr. John Kalogerakis closed the event with \u201cKick Start the New Year with FOCUS & ACTION,\u201d energizing everyone to pursue their New Year\u2019s resolutions with confidence and determination.<\/p>\n About Adopt a Ship<\/strong><\/p>\n Adopt a Ship is an innovative educational program by Project Connect that introduces students to the fascinating world of shipping. Through direct communication with a vessel\u2019s Captain, participants broaden their horizons, gain practical insights, and explore career paths they might not have considered before. Schools report a 90% increase in student interest in shipping and related sciences, citing improvements in critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. Additionally, shipping companies benefit from positive community engagement, while their crews form meaningful connections with future industry professionals\u2014helping to secure the long-term growth of the maritime sector. In total, more than 4,200 pupils in 222 classes are enrolled in the Adopt a Ship program this school year.<\/p>\n About Project Connect<\/strong><\/p>\n PROJECT CONNECT is a non-profit organization founded in May 2015 with the support of<\/p>\n Greek shipowners and distinguished professionals in Shipping and Human Resources. The<\/p>\n vision of PROJECT CONNECT is \u201csustaining one of Greece\u2019s top resources, the Shipping<\/p>\n Industry through supporting the \u201ccan do\u201d mind set and the aim for excellence that has built<\/p>\n it, and to instill this mind set into the next generation workforce who will ultimately<\/p>\n strengthen Greek Shipping\u2019s competitiveness in the International arena.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" U.S. Ambassador to Greece, George J. Tsunis, Inspires Over 2,000 Greek Students with \u201cFocus & […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":252440,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[273,298],"tags":[307],"class_list":["post-252439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maritimes-news","category-seagoing-maritimes-news","tag-featured-en"],"yoast_head":"\n